Here are 7 notes in 7 days, looking back at what happened in the week 19th-26th Jan.
- Thankfully we got through day one without anyone coming out injured, besides some bumps and bruises from everyone's first real competitive hockey. Big news is the goalie controversy in Vancouver, with Alain Vigneault already looking towards Luongo after one bad game from Schnieder. This is a great way to give your new 'starter' confidence, I feel Luongo's issues are from the coach not knowing how to deal with a goalie when he is going through a bad stretch. Luongo has had so few bad games that when Alain Vigneault does snap, it is very damaging. It also doesn't help that Luongo is a little fragile mentally. Lets see if Schneider proves his coach wrong and shows a little tougher mental strength than Bobby Lou.
- Well the Edmonton Oilers are officially going to be great fun to watch. A come from behind win against the Canucks and a couple of nasty plays from two very highly skilled players Ales Hemsky and Sam Gagner.
- Datsyuk, sorry I mean Damien Brunner shoot out goal, think he has been paying attention at practice?
- It has only taken till day 3 into the season and the officiating once again is haunting the credibility of the NHL. Too many times you see totally different interpretations of the same infraction. The NHL may think this is a point of difference, however it just makes the league look bush. Players are already looking bewildered and frustrated by the lack of consistency on many calls.
- Doesn't matter how old MB30 is, he can still shut out the best of the best. The Flyers may be a little (read extremely) banged up on the back end, but they do provide a very potent top 9. Early season struggles seem to be effecting the 'highly skilled' teams as apposed to the dump and chase teams.
- Can someone explain to me why people have a problem with this as a celebration from Nail Yakupov? Biggest goal of his NHL career, he is allowed to show some emotion right?
- Anyone want to watch pre-season hockey? Looks like most of the first week teams are struggling to put together 3 periods of quality play. Do not be surprised if we see more grey haired coaches by the end of this 48 game sprint. Doesn't matter if it is a rush up the ice, a cross ice pass in the offensive zone, or just wrapping the puck around the boards, players are whiffing on the puck, having it bobble over their stick or just totally missing the pass. Hopefully it will only take till week 3 to get on top of the 'timing and feel'.
Well thats it for week one guys, looking at the rosters, seems like the short season injury bug has started to hit some teams, will be interesting to see who can stay the healthiest, however does I feel will be at the top of their divisions.
